Runaway Bride

So this morning I've got running on the brain. I got up early and had possibly my best run so far. I also got my first "hot running chick" compliment from some dudes sitting on a porch stoop. Normally I'm not one for cat calls but at that moment I appreciated the encouragement! Running is something I'm fairly new to but I'm starting to get into it which is amazing because it has always been my most hated of all gym class activities. I mean, you're talking to a girl who chose to walk the mile in 8th grade out of protest. In fact it wasn't until after my own wedding, almost 4 years ago, that I began taking an interest in fitness. Which brings me to my point - fitting into the wedding gown. I opened my newest issue of Fitness (an awesome magazine btw!) and inside they had done a survey of soon-to-be brides. Here are some of the highlights:

70% of brides-to-be want to lose weight
23 Lbs. is the average amount they want to lose
14% surveyed purposely bought their dress too small
5% Encouraged their bridesmaids to lose weight

If you're anything like me, having a big even is great motivation to stick to a fitness/diet routine, be it a vacation, a big party, hell even a small party! As I work with a lot of brides I hear the same thing "Oh, I'm going to be going to the gym. I'll be smaller by then." The reality is that it almost never happens. In fact many brides I see actually gain weight before the wedding. And it's understandable too! As a bride you're busier than ever, going to lots of pre-wedding parties with food that's not exactly figure friendly, you get less sleep, and you're just under an extreme amount of stress!



Here is my advice to you as you plan for your big day. First, do your seamstress a favor and do NOT order your dress too small! She can always take it in if you drop the pounds, but she can't always let it out if you don't. Second, if you are going to encourage your bridesmaids to lose weight, please do it tactfully and don't go all bridezilla on them. Ask if they'd like to join you on your power walk. If they say no, let it go. Third, don't view exercise as something you have to do, see it as something you get to do. Take a yoga class, go for a jog, hop on your bike... whatever floats your fitness boat. It's your time to escape the wedding planning stress and leave it behind you. You deserve one hour every day to take care of yourself. Insist that you get it.

Pretty Pretty Pictures!

Uptown Urban Craft recently participated in a fantastic stylized photo shoot put together by The Wedding Yentas. For those of you who are not familiar, The Wedding Yentas is a great blog for the Jewish bride based out of Los Angeles. Regardless of your religious affiliation they have some great event planning ideas any bride can use! We were honored to be involved in their "We've Got You Covered - A Bolero Look Book" photo shoot which featured several fantastic designers, stylists, photographers, and (not to toot our own horn) two of our stunning boleros! The photos turned out great but here are a few more that didn't quite make the final cut but are fantastic none the less!

The Get Away Vehicle

Is there anything more classic than the "Just Married" sign on the back of a car? It's a tradition that's been going strong for generations and you're sure to want to continue it. Traditionally it's been the job of the wedding party to decorate the get away vehicle but some times rowdy groomsmen (& bridesmaids too!) can go *ahem* a little over board. Unless your all-time favorite beer is Bud Light, you probably don't want those tin cans anywhere near your wedding photos! I've even heard of mortified brides being driven to the reception in a car covered with inflated condoms. I think we can do a little better, don't you? Here are some gorgeous "Just Married" signs and great ideas for decorating the back of your get away vehicle!



While you're most likely not going to be leaving on a boat, I loved the idea of attaching a painted flag, as well as the monogram initial. Or you can keep it formal with beautiful calligraphy.




The colorful paper poms on this classic car would be a great DIY project to do with your bridesmaids. Coordinate with your wedding colors for a tied together look (Ha ha! Puns!)








Of course no one says your get away vehicle has to be a car! A small hand written sign on the back of a bicycle is very sweet as the two of you cruise off into the sunset!

Welcome to The Uptown Bride!

Hello Darlings! You are reading the very first post on The Uptown Bride, a fantastic new wedding & lifestyle blog by Uptown Urban Craft! The Uptown Bride will bring you the latest in wedding trends, feature new up-&-coming designers and artists, celebrate the hand-made revolution and earth-friendly innovations! The wedding world it huge and this blog will help you travel though it!

But who is the uptown bride, you ask? She loves all things pretty and poetic and finds beauty off the beaten path. She enjoys art, be it in a museum or graffiti on the side of a building. The modern cosmopolis is her fashion runway but she’s just as at home on the prairie. She is a woman who is posh without being pretentious. In short, she is you and she is me! I look so forward to providing fantastic & exciting ideas for all you Uptown Brides and can’t wait to hear from you too!

Cheers!